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Early 1990’s Gibson Earl Scruggs 49 Classic PROTOTYPE 5 string Banjo.  Includes Hardshell Case.

$6399

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Description

This banjo is the prototype for the Earl Scruggs 49 Classic.  The 49 Classic was introduced in 1991 so we know this was made before 1991 but that is all we know regarding the date of production.  It is possible that this was made in the late 80’s but no matter what this was made before 1991. This is definitely a cool piece of banjo history and it is fully functional and set up and ready to go.

This has a curly maple neck and resonator with a rosewood fretboard that has bowtie inlay pattern.  The hardware is nickel and includes a Gibson USA one piece flange and a Gibson USA Kulesh tone ring.  These are definitely original Gibson parts but since this is a prototype there is no way of knowing if these were changed later on.  I believe these were the original parts on the prototype but I want to mention this.

The label on the inside is signed by Earl Scruggs in blue.  The serial number is 000-000 Proto and is stamped on the inside of the shell.

This banjo is interesting to say the least and is a real banger.  This also includes a hardshell case.

Condition

This banjo is also in really good shape.  I want to mention there is a bend in the flange which is pictured.  It is near the neck heel.  The flange is in fantastic shape otherwise.  On top of this the resonator was damaged in shipping which we repaired.  There is a several inch seam in the bottom of the resonator which is still visible from the repair.

There is some scratching in the back of the resonator which is relatively serious scratching.  The sides of the neck also have finish worn off.  The finish looks really good otherwise.  The fretboard has some grooves in the first few frets but the rest of the fretboard is clean.  The frets are clean all the way down with minimal wear.  This has spikes at frets 7 and 9.

The hardware is clean as far as condition, there isn’t much tarnish at all.  This banjo is in really good shape overall with a few weird spots and the case is clean also.

Set Up

The banjo has a clean Remo frosted head which is set to 90.  The bridge is a Scorpion and this has new Huber Truetone strings.

If you want a super cool piece of banjo history this is it.  The banjo is assembled and set up to bang and shake walls down so it also delivers some major playing enjoyment.  True Collectors and Players Banjo.

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